Twines, nets, and methods for making them

Abstract

A twine (10) having an inner portion with one or more strands (14, 16, 18) and a wrapping material (22) that is wrapped around the inner portion. The wrapping material is configured such that heating the wrapping material while wrapped around the inner portion increases a stiffness of the inner portion once the wrapping material subsequently cools. An outer portion (20, 12) having one or more strands and disposed radially outwardly from the inner portion such that the wrapping material is positioned therebetween.

Description

TWINES, NETS, AND METHODS FOR MAKING THEMCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present disclosure is based on and claims priority to Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202421051875 filed July 6, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to twines, nets, and methods for making them, and particularly to twines and nets for aquaculture and fishing industries.BACKGROUND

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to twines and nets, and particularly those used for aquaculture and fishing industries. Aquaculture and fishing companies have a need to protect their grown catches or cultivated biomasses from attack of predators such as sharks, sea lions, and the like. Certain twines and nets have been developed to enhance the performance as an anti-predatory measure, such as by incorporating metals to counteract biting and cutting in use.SUMMARY

[0004] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] One aspect according to the present disclosure generally relates to a twine having an inner portion comprising one or more strands and a wrapping material that is wrapped around the inner portion. The wrapping material is configured such that heating the wrapping material while wrapped around the inner portion increases a stiffness of the inner portion once the wrapping material subsequently cools. An outer portion has one or more strands and disposed radially outwardly from the inner portion such that the wrapping material is positioned therebetween.

[0006] In certain examples, the one or more strands of the inner portion include a monofilament, a tube, a film, and / or a tape. In further examples, the tape includes HDPE, UHMWPE, polyester, nylon, or combinations thereof.

[0007] In certain examples, the one or more strands of the inner portion include twisted strands of polymeric films and / or polymeric tapes.

[0008] In certain examples, the wrapping material includes LLDPE, LDPE, polyester, and / or PVC. In further examples, the wrapping material has a thickness of at least 5 micron.

[0009] In certain examples, at least a portion of the inner portion is braided inside the wrapping material.

[0010] In certain examples, the one or more strands of the inner portion include at least one thermoplastic.

[0011] Certain examples further include at least one metal positioned radially inside the wrapping material.

[0012] In certain examples, the outer portion is braided and / or wound around the wrapping material.

[0013] In certain examples, at least one of the one or more strands of the inner portion includes a different material than at least one of the one or more strands of the outer portion.

[0014] In certain examples, the wrapping material increases the stiffness of the inner portion by shrinking around the inner portion when heated and subsequently cooled. In further examples, the wrapping material is configured such that the shrinking occurs at a temperate above 50° C.

[0015] Certain examples relate to nets produced using the disclosed twine. Further examples relate to cage structures produced using the disclosed nets.

[0016] Another aspect of the present disclosure generally relates to a method for making twine. The method includes twisting, braiding, and / or winding two or more inner strands together to form an inner portion, and positioning a wrapping material around the inner portion. The method further includes heating and / or cooling the wrapping material to shrink the wrapping material around the inner portion, and twisting, braiding, and / or winding two or more outer strands around the wrapping material to form an outer portion.

[0017] In certain examples, the method further includes wrapping the wrapping material around at least one metal before heating.

[0018] In certain examples, the method further includes waiting to perform the twisting, braiding, and / or winding around the wrapping material until after the wrapping material has cooled below a melting point at which the wrapping material melted around the inner portion.

[0019] In certain examples, the method relates to forming a net and further includes using the disclosed twine to form the net. In further examples, the wrapping material is melted around the inner portion after the outer portion is formed around the wrapping material.

[0020] Another aspect of the present disclosure generally relates to a twine. The twine includes an inner portion comprising steel wire, PET, and at least one of polyester or HDPE or HMPE film. A wrapping material comprising LDPE film is wrapped around the inner portion, wherein the wrapping material is configured such that heating the wrapping material while wrapped around the inner portion increases a stiffness of the inner portion once the wrapping material subsequently cools. An outer portion includes a braid of HDPE disposed radially outwardly from the inner portion such that the wrapping material is positioned therebetween.

[0021] It should be recognized that the different aspects described throughout this disclosure may be combined in different manners, including those than expressly disclosed in the provided examples, while still constituting an invention accord to the present disclosure. Various other features, objects and advantages of the disclosure will be made apparent from the following description taken together with the drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Examples are described with reference to the following drawing figures. The same numbers are used throughout to reference like features and components.

[0023] FIG. 1 depicts a schematic view of a twine produced according to the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a table providing additional description for examples of components for producing the twine of FIG. 1.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a table providing additional description for further examples of components for producing the twine of FIG. 1.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a flow chart depicting an example method for producing a netting structure according to the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a close up view of the complete netting structure of FIG. 4.

[0028] FIG. 6 depicts an example test setup for a method of testing axial stiffness of a mesh or net according to the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 7 depicts an example test setup for a method of testing lateral stiffness of a mesh or net according to the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 8 depicts an example method for winding filaments according to the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 9 is a table showing sample test findings for a prior art twine and a twine according to the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The present inventors have recognized problems with known twines and nets used for aquaculture or fishing industries, including with respect to performance, cost of manufacturing, complexity of manufacturing, and the like. For example, twines and nets presently known in the art have loose cores, which allows for ingress of foreign material deep inside these cores, including salt, other minerals, and / or biomass such as mud, silt, algae, tapeworms, lice, hydroids, microsilica, etc. This ingress of foreign substances is further exacerbated by the hydrostatic forces at play when using these twines and nets in water.

[0033] This ingress can cause numerous problems, including increasing the weight of the twine or net, which strains supporting infrastructure (e.g., frames, lifting apparatus, etc.) that positions and supports the twine or net in use. The additional weight also makes the twine or net difficult to work with. Furthermore, the ingress provides challenges with respect to processes necessary for clearing this ingress during the life of the net.

[0034] The present inventors have also recognized that these increases in size and / or weight create additional problems with respect to shrinkage for the users. For example, the ingress increases twine diameter, which results in reduced water and oxygen flow in use, increased drag, and threats to biomass health.

[0035] Additionally, increased twine diameter and / or increase net solidity can lead to changes in mesh sizes and dimensions, thereby resulting in dimensional instabilities. For example, as material ingress occurs, the weight of the cage increases. The edges of the cage and other structures supporting and / or positioning the nets are typically connected via hinges. Thus, as the weight of the net increases, this causes the cage panel to strain uncontrollably, thereby causing dimensional changes and unidentified strain areas where potential failure can occur.

[0036] As mentioned above, the ingress of the material inside the twine also causes increases in the diameters of the twines, thereby reducing the size of the mesh openings therebetween. This increases the drag of the net within the water, increasing forces and strain. This also reduces cross diffusion of water, resulting in less oxygen availability and thus negative health impacts for the product inside.

[0037] Through experimentation and development, the present inventors have conceived the presently disclosed twines, as well as nets or other products made thereof and methods for their manufacture, which solve these problems identified for known for twines and nets known in the art. In certain embodiments, the twines and nets comprise a unique, engineered arrangement of particular combinations of materials such as polymeric and non-polymeric materials (by way of non-limiting example) in clearly defined sequence to achieve specific performance of the articles made from such twines. As described further below, these arrangements, combinations, and sequences are novel over those known in the art, providing unexpected results. In certain embodiments, the structures of twines according to the present disclosure include an inner portion (sometimes referred to as an inner core) made of loose polymeric and non-polymeric monofilaments / tubes, films / tapes and twisted strands made from monofilaments and / or polymeric films. By way of example, tapes from polymers may include HDPE, UHMWPE, Polyester, Nylon, etc. These tapes may range from having a melting point between 50° - 500° C, a thickness between 10 micron to 2 mm, and a lineal’ density between 50D - 50000D.

[0038] Through experimentation and development, the present inventors have recognized that additional benefits may be achieved by increasing the stiffness of this inner portion over those known in the art. The present inventors have further identified that the stiffness of the inner portion may be increased by increasing the structural stability of the materials within the inner portion, such by wrapping these materials with low melt polymeric films / tape, by way of non-limiting example being LLDPE, LDPE or Polyester or generic shrink wrap, any of which may also be referred to as wrapping material. Also by way of example, these wrapping materials (e.g., which may be a polymer known in the art) may be selected or configured to exhibit melt point temperatures between 50 - 150° C. However, wrapping materials having melting point temperatures in other temperature ranges are also contemplated by the present disclosure. It should also be recognized that the present disclosure contemplates the use of wrapping materials that are non-melting or not caused to melt, including but not limited to adhesive tapes or films. The presentinventors have recognized that it can be beneficial to use wrapping material having a thickness of at least 5.0 Microns. However, other thickness arc also contemplated by the present disclosure.

[0039] Once the inner portion is wrapped with the wrapping material, the wrapping material may be heated to a temperature at which the wrapping material melts around the materials within the inner portion. It should be recognized that while the present disclosure may discuss heating and / or cooling or a twine before producing a product therewith (e.g., a net), other configurations are also contemplated, including heating and / or cooling after producing the product.

[0040] In certain examples, the wrapping material is configured to not only melt, but also to shrink when heated. By way of example, the wrapping material may be configured to shrink at a temperature ranging between 35 to 150° C, or between 35 to 110° C. Alternatively, cold shrink wrap may also be used, which may shrink at temperatures as low as -20° C, by way of example. Cold shrink wrap products are known in the art, for example being sold by 3M, Morris, Electriduct, and Garland, which are often used for insulating, splicing, protecting, and jacketing electrical components. The shrink wrap may be made from silicone rubber-based material.

[0041] Once the wrapping material cools again to below the melting or shrinking temperature (if heating as a twine), an outer portion of the twine is created by twisting or braiding additional strands around the inner portion wrapped in the wrapping material. The outer portion may comprise different sub-twisting or sub-braiding processes, for example with an initial primary braiding of strands, whereby these primary braids are then braided together as secondary braiding. The certain embodiments, these additional strands include monofilaments of thermo-plastic or non-thermo-plastic monofilaments giving a primary twine structure. The primary braided twine is then put through the secondary braiding operation using monofilaments of thermo-plastic or non- thermo-plastic monofilaments or thermos-plastic, thermoset resin treated monofilaments to yield the engineered twine. Twisting and / or braiding steps may be performed in a manner known in the art, using corresponding commercially available machines, and is thus not described further for the sake of brevity.

[0042] The present inventors have recognized that manufacturing a twine according to the present disclosure unexpectedly yields desirable performance with regards to stiffness, tensile values, modulus and breaking strength. This performance may also be provided and / or increased by the various combinations of materials described herein, including the use of materials having various strength to weight ratios relative to other materials in the twine. The present inventors havefurther recognized that producing twine according to the present disclosure, as discussed further below, advantageously avoids the ingress discussed above, which therefore avoids the problems with respect to weight, shrinkage, bacterial growth, and / or the like.

[0043] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, further examples are now provided for the different materials and combinations thereof for producing twine according to the present disclosure. These twines include unique baked or non-baked (e.g., heated or non-heated) composite twines, including double braided or twisted or braided & twisted having diameters >1.0 mm and having weight per meter >5.0 gms.

[0044] The example twine 10 of FIGS. 1 includes components 14, 16, and 18 wrapped within a wrapping material 22. These components 14, 16, 18 and the wrapping material 22 may be collectively referred to as the inner portion, or the inner portion may be considered only a subset of the components inside the wrapping material 22 (e.g., with “additional materials” also being provided within the wrapping material 22, such as loose steel wire in hollow or solid form, for example). A primary braid 20 is shown formed around the wrapping material 22, which as discussed may be formed after the wrapping material 22 has been melted. The twine 10 further includes a secondary braid 12 formed around the primary braid 20. It should be recognized that the term “braid” with respect to the primary braid 20 and the secondary braid 12 are used for brevity, and that this term shall be interpreted to include other conventional processes such as twisting, winding, etc. unless expressly limited as such.

[0045] FIGS. 2 and 3 provide examples of what the individual exemplary materials or components may comprise in accordance with the present disclosure. For the twine 10 of FIGS. 1, components 14 may comprise a polyester or polymer, for example polyester, HDPE, or HMPE film. Component 16 may comprise polyester or polymer, for example a PET solid or hollow cord of 0.5-5mm or greater. While FIG. 1 shows the component 16 being a solid, rigid cord, it should be recognized that the component 16 may instead or additionally include hollow cords or other solid shapes of PET or other materials (not separately shown as such for brevity, which would appeal- similar to that of FIG. 1, but filled in). Components within the inner portion may comprise monofilaments, multifilaments, a tube, a film, and / or a tape. Component 18 may comprise a metal, such as loose steel wire in solid or hollow form. The primary braid 20 and the secondary braid 12 may comprise polyolefins and / or polyesters, such as being a HDPE and / or polyester, for example comprising monofilaments. The primary braid 20 and the secondary braid 12 may comprise theentirely same materials, may have some materials in common, or may comprise entirely different materials. The wrapping material 22 may comprise a polyethylene film such as LDPE.

[0046] Further examples of materials are now provided. For example, the strands of the inner portion and / or the outer portion may comprise textile continuous or discontinuous strand(s) from twisted or untwisted thermoplastic film of polymers like but not limited to HDPE, Polyester, Polyamide, Polyimide, UHMWPE or combination thereof. In the case of films, the denier may be >10 D & the melting points may be >50° C. However, other values and various combinations of values are also contemplated.

[0047] In addition to these strands, the twine may also include hollow or solid monofilaments of thermo-plastic materials, metal or mineral or natural polymeric materials such as PET, Polyamide, Polyimide, HDPE, PVC, Steel, Copper, Aluminum, cotton, wool, rayon, etc., by way of non-limiting example. As discussed above, in certain embodiments the polymeric materials have melting points >50° C.

[0048] By further way of example, the wrapping material (which may wrap around the inner portion one or more times) may comprise a low melting polymeric film / tape, for example LDPE, LLDPE, Low Melt Polyester or combination thereof having melting point >50° C.

[0049] The inner portion (in certain embodiments being stabilized with a wrapping material), may further be twisted or braided with additional strands, for example, being polymeric or non-polymeric monofilaments such as HDPE, PET, Polyamide, steel, ceramic, etc. In certain example, these additional components to be twisted or braided with the inner portion and wrapping material are optionally treated with various polymeric resins, for example those having a denier >10 D and a melting point / charring point >50° C.

[0050] The combined inner portion, wrapping material, and additional strands may be further twisted or braided with even further additional strands, such as HDPE, PET, Polyamide, steel, ceramic etc., optionally treated with various polymeric resins having denier >10 with a melting point / charring point >50° C. In certain examples, the twine produced in this manner has been found to demonstrate twine breaking strengths >1.0 Kg while having diameter >1.0 mm and stiffness >1 Unit as per the test method mentioned. The twine may be optionally baked at temperatures >45° C for >10 min.

[0051] FIG. 4 shows an example method 100 for making a twine and net according to the present disclosure. The method 100 begins with providing a polymeric tape in step 102, which isthen twisted in step 104. The twisted stands are then combined in step 106 with a steel strand and a solid or hollow PET core, with together may be referred to as the inner portion IP. The inner portion IP (also referred to as being a “loose” core) is wrapped with the wrapping material 22 in step 108 and a primary braid is performed around the wrapping material 22 in step 110. It should be recognized that in certain examples, the wrapping material is first heated to melt and shrink around the inner portion IP before step 110. The method 100 then continues to step 112, which provides for performing a secondary braiding around the primary braiding of step 110.

[0052] The completed twine 10 is then processed to form a net 30 in step 114. The net produced by this method is then, optionally, heated under controlled conditions utilizing temperatures greater than 45 degrees C and > 10 minute cycles to form the finished net.

[0053] The net 30 is then used in step 116 to form a complete product, here an anti-predator net-cage structure 40. An enlarged version of the anti -predator net structure 40 is shown in FIG. 5. The process of producing a net, once having a twine produced according to the present disclosure, may be in a conventional manner known for nets and is thus not described in further detail for brevity.

[0054] The present inventors have recognized that additional benefits may be achieved for net-cage structures 40 prepared with twines produced according to the present disclosure over those conventionally known. For example, the reduced weight of the twine (and thus, the entire net), including from reduced or avoided ingress, may permit lighter duty materials to be used for the remaining structure. For example, a lighter gauge of steel may be used for the cage that supports and positions the net to contain aquacultural therein, given the reduced weight and drag from the net is supports. Eikewise, the presently disclosed net may enable the use of different materials altogether, such as using aluminum over steel, again due to the reduced load requirements. This saves cost and also makes the overall net and structure easier to manage and potentially safer to work with. Through experimentation and testing, the present inventors have found that certain embodiments of twines and nets produced according to the present disclosure provided a more than 8% weight savings while maintaining or improving cut resistance and stiffness, a more than 8% increase in mesh breaking strength despite having a reduced weight of at least 8%, reduced shrinkage (due in pail to the wrapping material), and / or reduced draft and reduced mooring requirements.

[0055] Producing nets via twines according to the present disclosure also permits use with lighter duty lifting equipment, such as cranes or other support devices, not only for the reduced load of the net but also the reduced load of the cage associated therewith, as discussed above. This makes the net-cage more accessible to a broader group of users, locations, and applications. Similarly, to the extent floatation devices are used to keep the structure at the surface of the water, fewer and / or less buoyant floatation devices may be used, again given that the net and structure has less weight to support. It should be recognized that all of these benefits also result in a decrease in cost and complexity for the structure and systems required for supporting or installing the structure.

[0056] Below is further description of steps for other manufacturing processes that may be performed according to the present disclosure, which may vary from that shown in FIG. 4:1. The polymeric tape / film > 1mm width & >5micron thick of any polymer like PET or HDPE having melting point >50°C is taken for twisting in one or more than one number. It is twisted with >1TPM. The strand made in this way having diameter >lmm.2. This strand is then arranged with >=1 monofilaments of metal or mineral inorganic material and >=1 Solid or Hollow extruded Polymeric Mono like but not limited to PET or HDPE forming loose core structure3. The loose core structure formed above is then wrapped with low melt Polymeric film like but not limited to LDPE or LLDPE or Low Melt Polyester or standard shrink wrap having Melting Point >50°C, width>lmm and thickness>5micron. Thus forming Structurally stable Inner Core4. Inner Core is then braided with at least one monofilament if not more of polymer like but not limited to HDPE forming an intermediate component named Primary Braided Core Twine5. The Primary Braided Core Twine is then braided with at least one monofilament if not more of polymer like but not limited to HDPE forming a twine named Composite Double Braided Twine. Such twines are optionally treated thermally at temperatures >45°C for more than lOmins if & when needed6. The composite twine is then used to make knotted nets or knotless nets. The nets are then thermally treated at temperatures >45 °C for more than lOmins7. The treated nets are then fabricated to form cage structures as per designs provided by customers.Further Exemplary Twine and Nets According to the Present Disclosure

[0057] 1. Primary Braided Core Twine Optionally Secondary Braided to make CompositeDouble Braided wine as shown in FIG. 1, having at least one metal monofilament, at least one rigid or hollow polymeric monofilament, at least one twisted or untwisted strand of polymeric tape as loose core & all of these components are wrapped by at least one if not more low melting or cold shrink or Hot Shrink polymeric tape or film or tube forming central base named INNER CORE. Primary Braiding is then done on Inner Core with Polymeric monofilament or tape or tube of melting, non-melting polymer, metal, non-metal or mineral or ceramic like but not limited to HDPE forming PRIMARY BRAIDED CORE TWINE. The Primary Braided Core Twine is then optionally braided again with at least one if not more Polymeric monofilament or tape or tube of melting, non-melting polymer, metal, non-metal or mineral or ceramic like but not limited to HDPE to form COMPOSITE DOUBLE BRAIDED TWINE. Primary Braided Core Twine or Composite Double Braided Twine or Both are optionally baked at temp >45° for >10 mins. All the components of the disclosed twine are described in detail as below

[0058] 2. The Knotted netting structure made from Primary Braided Core Twine or DoubleBraided Composite Twine disclosed in example 1 optionally baked at any temperature more than 45°C for more than lOminutes & not limiting to this combination of temp / time.

[0059] 3. The Knot-less netting structure made from Primary Braided Core Twine orDouble Braided Composite Twine disclosed in example 1 optionally baked at any temperature more than 45°C for more than lOminutes & not limiting to this combination of temp / time.

[0060] 4. Netting Structures in example no 2 & example no 3 optionally treated with thermoplastic or thermoset or elastomeric resins for imparting structural rigidity and prevent ingrace of foreign materials while in application.

[0061] 5. The Primary Braided Core Twine or Double Braided Composite Twine in example 1 optionally baked in all available technologies at any temperature more than 45 °C for more than lOminutes & not limiting to this combination of temp / time.

[0062] 6. The Primary Braided Core Twine or Double Braided Composite Twine in example 1 optionally surface coated with thermoplastic, thermoset, elastomeric resins at any temperature more than 45°C for more than lOminutes & not limiting to this combination of temp / time.

[0063] 7. The Double Braided Composite Twine in example 1 wrapped with low melting or high melting or non melting or cold shrink or hot shrink polymeric tape or film or tube like but not limited to LDPE or LLDPE and optionally baked in all available technologies at any temperature more than 45°C for more than lOminutes , not limiting to this combination of temp / time.

[0064] 8. One cage solutions made from Primary Braided Core Twine or Double BraidedComposite Twine disclosed in example 1 optionally baked at any temperature more than 45°C for more than lOminutes & not limiting to this combination of temp / time.

[0065] 9. Ropes of sizes not limiting to 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 36 stands made from PrimaryBraided Core Twine or Double Braided Composite Twine disclosed in example 1 optionally baked at any temperature more than 45 °C for more than 10 minutes & not limiting to this combination of temp / time.

[0066] 10. Any article in aquaculture or non aquaculture segment not limiting to nets, cages, predator cages, ropes made using Primary Braided Core Twine or Double Braided Composite Twine disclosed in example 1 optionally baked at any temperature more than 45°C for more than 10 minutes & not limiting to this combination of temp / time.

[0067] It should be recognized that the present disclosure contemplates using materials with other ranges of features, and likewise methods with other ranges of characteristics for making the twine or net.Example Test Method: Testing Axial Stiffness of Mesh / Net

[0068] FIG. 6 and the details below depict one method 201 for testing axial stiffness of a net produced according to the present disclosure, and / or with twine produced according to the present disclosure.

[0069] Test Method: Axial stiffness of mesh

[0070] 1. Test Setup 200:

[0071] • The test should be performed on a Universal Testing Machine 202.

[0072] • Set up and fix the hooks / probe 204, which act as jaws. These bended parts 206 should be placed axially opposite to each other.

[0073] • Configure the testing apparatus with two jaws / probe: one moving jaw / probe 208 and one stationary jaw / probe 210. The moving jaw / probe 208 may be moved bymoving a support member 216 coupled thereto, which may be via a linear actuator 218, a motor with a gear and rack system, and / or other mechanisms known in the art.

[0074] • The moving jaw / prob is coupled with a load cell 212 to measure the force acting on the specimen 214.

[0075] • Ensure that the moving jaw / prob pulls the specimen 214 at a constant speed of 200 mm / min (for example).

[0076] 2. Specimen Preparation:

[0077] Use a netting specimen 214 with a minimum size of 3x3 square mesh (for example; varies with mesh size).

[0078] • In certain embodiments, the specimen size should always be square.

[0079] • Attach the probes 208, 210 to the central mesh of the specimen 214.

[0080] 3. Test Procedure:

[0081] • Mount the specimen 214 on the test rig by adjusting the probe length based on the mesh size.

[0082] • Mount the specimen 214 on the test rig without any support or free stand only prob in contact.

[0083] • Start the test by pulling the specimen 214 using the moving jaw 208 at a constant speed of 200 mm / min (for example).

[0084] • Measure the force (in kilograms) required to stretch the specimen 214 until either of the following occurs:

[0085] a. The two twines 220 (strands) of the netting touch each other (depicted as lines 220).

[0086] b. The specimen breaks.

[0087] 4. Results Interpretation:

[0088] When the twines 220 touch each other, it indicates the axial stiffness of the netting structure.

[0089] Higher kilogram values during the test imply greater axial stiffness.Example Test Method: Testing Lateral Stiffness of Mesh / Net

[0090] FIG. 7 and the details below depict one method 301 for testing lateral stiffness of a net produced according to the present disclosure, and / or with twine produced according to the present disclosure.

[0091] 1. Test Setup 300:

[0092] • The test should be performed on a laterally placed square table frame 302.

[0093] • The test specimen 304 should be tightly anchored or locked at all four comers to ensure stability.

[0094] • Position 306 a known weight 308 centrally on the net surface.

[0095] • The weight selection depends on the type of thread and the twine / net design.Usually, 500 kg is considered (for example), considering the heaviest predator hitting the net surface.

[0096] 2. Specimen preparation:

[0097] Use a netting specimen 304 with a minimum size of 2X2 meter square size(for example).

[0098] In certain embodiments, the specimen mesh size should always be square mesh.

[0099] Ensured no damage or any break in specimen.

[0100] 3. Test procedure:

[0101] Fixed 500 kg weight 308 (for example) placed center of specimen, (weight varies with specimen mesh size and Mesh breaking strength).

[0102] • Measure the deflection 310 of the net 304 from its original position 312.

[0103] • Express the deflection in millimetres (mm) or inches.

[0104] • Relive the weight 308 from specimen 304 and measure the deflection 310 which represent resilience of specimen 304

[0105] 4. Results Interpretation:

[0106] • The deflection 310 of the net 304 indicates its lateral stiffness.

[0107] • A lower value of deflection implies higher lateral stiffness.

[0108] • In certain embodiments, the present invention provides for nets having deflection 310 values less than 100 inches after removing of weight present resilience.Example Filament Winding Process

[0109] FIG. 8 and the details below depict one method 401 for winding filaments for a net produced according to the present disclosure, and / or with twine produced according to the present disclosure.

[0110] 1. Overview:

[0111] • Filament winding involves winding resin-impregnated glass or advanced fibers around a rotating mandrel to create a composite structure.

[0112] • Different fibers and resins, along with various winding techniques, allow for high fiber loading with directional strength characteristics.

[0113] 2. Process Steps:

[0114] • Continuous Fiber Tows: Fibers are fed through a delivery system to the filament winding machine.

[0115] • Winding Machine: The machine winds the fibers onto a rotating mandrel in a predetermined geometric pattern.

[0116] • Winding Angle: The angle of the fiber relative to the mandrel axis determines strength and stiffness.

[0117] • Layering and Curing: Layers of fiber are applied, and the resulting laminate is cured on the mandrel.

[0118] • Finished Part: The part’s size and shape depend on the mandrel shape and laminate thickness.

[0119] 3. Materials:

[0120] • Resins 408: Thermoset resins like epoxy, polyester, vinyl ester, or phenolic.

[0121] • Fibers: Any type of continuous fiber 403 (straight from a creel 402, not woven or stitched).

[0122] Cores: Any material, although components are usually single skin.

[0123] 4. Wet vs. Dry Winding:

[0124] Wet Winding: Fibers are unwound from roving and passed through a resin408 mixture (impregnation) before winding.

[0125] • Dry Winding: Uses pre-impregnated fibers (tow-preg composite fabrics).The assembly is cured after achieving the desired layer thickness.

[0126] 5. Mechanical Properties:

Claims

[0127] • Strength and Stiffness: The winding angles determine mechanical properties.[0128] • Density: Controlled by the tension of the tows during winding.[0129] • Good Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Composite parts made through filament winding exhibit this property.[0130] It should be recognized that the test and winding methods described above are merely examples. The present disclosure contemplates other methods that vary in size of specimen, speed of applying force, different forces, different structures for applying forces, and the like.[0131] The functional block diagrams, operational sequences, and flow diagrams provided in the Figures are representative of exemplary architectures, environments, and methodologies for performing novel aspects of the disclosure. While, for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the methodologies included herein may be in the form of a functional diagram, operational sequence, or flow diagram, and may be described as a series of acts, it is to be understood and appreciated that the methodologies are not limited by the order of acts, as some acts may, in accordance therewith, occur in a different order and / or concurrently with other acts from that shown and described herein. For example, those skilled in the ail will understand and appreciate that a methodology can alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states or events, such as in a state diagram. Moreover, not all acts illustrated in a methodology may be required for a novel implementation.[0132] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the ail to make and use the invention. Certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be inferred therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes only and are intended to be broadly construed. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have features or structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent features or structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A twine comprising: an inner portion comprising one or more strands; a wrapping material that is wrapped around the inner portion, wherein the wrapping material is configured such that heating the wrapping material while wrapped around the inner portion increases a stiffness of the inner portion once the wrapping material subsequently cools; and an outer portion comprising one or more strands and disposed radially outwardly from the inner portion such that the wrapping material is positioned therebetween.

2. The twine according to claim 1, wherein the one or more strands of the inner portion comprise a monofilament, a tube, a film, and / or a tape.

3. The twine according to claim 2, wherein the tape comprises HDPE, UHMWPE, polyester, nylon, or combinations thereof.

4. The twine according to claim 1, wherein the one or more strands of the inner portion comprise twisted strands of polymeric films and / or polymeric tapes.

5. The twine according to claim 1, wherein the wrapping material comprises LLDPE, LDPE, polyester, and / or PVC.

6. The twine according to claim 5, wherein the wrapping material has a thickness of at least 5 micron.

7. The twine according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the inner portion is braided inside the wrapping material.

8. The twine according to claim 1, wherein the one or more strands of the inner portion comprise at least one thermoplastic.

9. The twine according to claim 1, further comprising at least one metal positioned radially inside the wrapping material.

10. The twine according to claim 1, wherein the outer portion is braided and / or wound around the wrapping material.

11. The twine according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the one or more strands of the inner portion comprises a different material than at least one of the one or more strands of the outer portion.

12. The twine according to claim 1, wherein the wrapping material increases the stiffness of the inner portion by shrinking around the inner portion when heated and subsequently cooled.

13. The twine according to claim 12, wherein the wrapping material is configured such that the shrinking occurs at a temperate above 50° C.

14. A net produced using the twine of claim 1.

15. A cage structure produced using the net of claim 14.

16. A method for making twine, the method comprising: twisting, braiding, and / or winding two or more inner strands together to form an inner portion; positioning a wrapping material around the inner portion; heating and / or cooling the wrapping material to shrink the wrapping material around the inner portion; and twisting, braiding, and / or winding two or more outer strands around the wrapping material to form an outer portion.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising wrapping the wrapping material around at least one metal before heating.

18. The method according to claim 16, further comprising waiting to perform the twisting, braiding, and / or winding around the wrapping material until after the wrapping material has cooled below a melting point at which the wrapping material melted around the inner portion.

19. A method of forming a net, wherein the method comprises using the twine of claim 16 to form the net.

20. The method according to claim 15, wherein the wrapping material is melted around the inner portion after the outer portion is formed around the wrapping material.

21. A twine comprising: an inner portion comprising steel wire, PET, and at least one of polyester or HDPE or HMPE film; a wrapping material comprising LDPE film that is wrapped around the inner portion, wherein the wrapping material is configured such that heating the wrapping material while wrapped around the inner portion increases a stiffness of the inner portion once the wrapping material subsequently cools; and an outer portion comprising a braid of HDPE disposed radially outwardly from the inner portion such that the wrapping material is positioned therebetween.

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